Estudiantes president Juan Sebastián Verón has been suspended for six months by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) after he refused to participate in a guard of honour for newly declared champions Rosario Central.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea star, along with the Estudiantes squad, openly protested Rosario Central’s recognition as “League Champions”—a title granted after the AFA introduced a controversial rule change last week.
Argentina’s top-tier league structure features two separate tournaments each season: the Apertura and Clausura. Rosario Central, captained by Ángel Di María, topped the overall standings with 66 points, finishing four points ahead of Boca Juniors. Until the recent amendment, teams with the highest aggregate points only secured Copa Libertadores qualification rather than an outright league title.
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Following a 16-match league phase, both tournaments proceed to a knockout round. Platense previously emerged champions of the Apertura.
In protest of the new ruling, Estudiantes players declined to honour Rosario Central before their Clausura knockout clash on Sunday—a match Verón’s side went on to win 1–0.
The AFA disciplinary committee has now imposed “a six-month suspension from all
activities” on Verón, while players deemed to have engaged in “reprehensible conduct” will serve a two-match ban at the beginning of next season.
Despite the controversy, Estudiantes will continue their Clausura campaign and face Central Córdoba in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Apertura winners Platense will meet the winners of the Clausura playoffs later this year to contest the Champions Trophy.
